BBQ Roundup opens today in Cedar Rapids

06-26-2008 | Family

Grammy nominated blues-rock musician Kenny Wayne Shepherd headlines the 21st annual BBQ Roundup that opens today in the South Kingston parking lot, 15 St. SW, after being flooded out from its original site in downtown Cedar Rapids.

Shepherd performs at 8:30 p.m. Friday and the concert is included in the price of admission. Tickets are $3 for adults and children under 12 are admitted free. Freedom Festival button wearers will get $1 discount on admission.

"It was important for us to put on the barbecue to bring the community together and show we're all in this together," says Amber Bisinger, marketing and community relations manager for VenuWorks of Cedar Rapids, the event's producer. "Everybody needs a break -- come out, kick back, enjoy some good food and music and escape from everything for a little while."

The four-day BBQ Roundup typically draws 20,000 to 25,000 people annually.

Those attending are invited to bring non-perishable food items for United Way partner agencies. Anyone living in the 500-year flood plain will be admitted free.

Hours today are from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Barbecue vendors include Butch's Smack Your Lips BBQ, Chicago Barbecue Co., Famous Dave's, Johnson's BBQ, Pigfoot BBQ Company, Porky N Beans, Texas Thunder and Sgt. Oinks Pit BBQ.

New this year is the craft show, featuring local crafters displaying and selling their work.

The BBQ Roundup also includes daily music concerts, carnival rides, a game zone, classic car show, monster truck rides and other family activities. More information is available at the BBQ Roundup web site.

 

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